Monday, July 2, 2012

Blues continue to add depth, sign Woywitka

Former Blue returns with one-year, two-way contract

By LOUIE KORACST. LOUIS -- Another familiar face will help replenish Peoria's roster and provide experienced depth for the parent roster in case of injuries.The Blues announced the signing of Jeff Woywitka to a one-year, two-way contract. Terms weren't disclosed.Woywitka, 28, played in 27 games for the New York Rangers last season after spending the previous two seasons (playing in 99 games) with Dallas. He was briefly with Montreal before being picked up by the Rangers on waivers. He did not suit up in a game for the Canadiens.Woywitka, who was acquired from Edmonton as part of the controversial trade that sent Chris Pronger to Edmonton, played in four seasons from 2005-09 with the Blues. The 6-foot-3, 227-pound right-handed shot has played 152 of his 278 career games with the Blues. He has nine goals and 46 assists in his career, including six goals and 29 assists. Woywitka, along with Eric Brewer and Doug Lynch came to St. Louis as part of the Pronger trade in 2005.Woywitka had a goal and five assists with the Rangers last season in limited duty.Woywitka is the fourth depth signing for the Blues in the last two days. They signed goalie and St. Louis native Mike McKenna along with defensemen Taylor Chorney and Scott Ford on Sunday.The free agent market continues to progress slowly, as top players Zach Parise and Ryan Suter have yet to make their decisions where to sign. The Blues continue to be in the market for a top four defenseman and/or a third-line center.